Education has been an important part of the ETSO mission from its inception.  Annual school programs, which began in the mid-1950’s, have grown to involve schools from throughout Tyler and beyond.  In 2012, ETSO became a partner orchestra in the Link Up program from Carnegie Hall Weill Music Institute.  This curriculum-based instrumental music education program brings much needed music to classrooms and culminates with interactive performances at Tyler Independent School District’s performing arts center at Tyler High School.  The East Texas Symphony Orchestra proudly serves nearly 4,000 elementary students, including every 4th and 5th grade student in TISD each year via Link Up.

The ETSO is a non-profit organization, relying on community support to fund its operation.  Since 1955, the Women’s Symphony League of Tyler, Inc. has remained the most significant contributor to the annual operating budget.  Additional funding comes from individual and corporate community support, grant funding through public and private foundations, and endowment support from the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Foundation.